We arrived in Maui Saturday night June 12, 2010 and were immediately enveloped by the essence of the island. Warm breezes licking our skin with the smell of humidity and greenery in our noses. The adventure has officially begun! Sunday was spent in Lanai with Momo’s sister Nancy and Nancy’s husband’s family. We had the fortune to experience an island church as Momo’s niece was baptized followed by a delicious local lunch after the services. Nancy and her husband Eric toured us around the island as well as through the Four Seasons owned/operated Lodge at Koele and Manele Bay resorts. Eric’s sister-in-law Edith Mirafuentes is an assistant manager at the Koele so we received the star treatment and were able to tour the rooms. While the Koele and Manele Bay resorts are both unique and stunning, the design for the Moulton Residence is in a totally different direction. It was great to experience the resorts for future inspiration, as well as to better understand the notion of indoor/outdoor living that is so critical to island life and culture, and the fireplace at the Koele might be something to act as inspiration for the grand fireplace in the Moulton Residence.Monday was a big day where Fitz, Susan and I ran around the island meeting with various people, walking the site, and finding treasures at various off-the-beaten path shops. The site is not what we expected (that being neither a good or bad thing….just different) but the future potential is obvious! Great view planes of the water, and tons of privacy from neighbors.We stopped at Endangered Pieces and met a psychic-type named Rod. The exterior of the shop was deceiving with a huge random Mardi Gras mask at the entry but there were some serious gems tucked away throughout the meandering shop. Next stop was Finders Keepers where a friend of Susan’s named Dirk showed us around. We came across a huge 1940’s surf board and have found inspiration in the piece.Last stop before drinks at the Hyatt was to a little stand in Lahaina to discuss The Will Smith Foundation annual gala with a craftsperson named Nito. Last year’s gala was an African Safari theme, and the 2011 gala will be Hawaiian. Nito’s heart was so inviting and warm, and her craft items are fabulous. A must stop for tourists.Tuesday turned into a full work day for us. We were so inspired by what we saw the day prior we bypassed the beach and went directly to the grind stone. The design is revealing itself.Mama’s Fish House for dinner last night followed by a show by Grammy winning artist Willie K.Today is Wednesday and we’re at it again. We are struggling with the notion of having the Ohana (or guest house) being adjacent to the future main house or to keep them separate. Locals seem to be of the opinion of keeping them far apart, but for construction cost, as well as design aesthetic we think a tight adjacency may make more sense. We meet with the contractor Matthew tonight and will see what he thinks and will circle back with Susan.The experience so far has been great. Keep checking back with us for updates.